What's new

What's new

Smarter Smart Cards

HID has launched the FlexSmart line of smart card readers. FlexSmart MIFARE HID Format Secure Reader (6075), FlexSmart MIFARE Custom Reader (6076), and FlexSmart DESFire Custom Reader (6077) are interoperable and ISO 14443A-compliant. Users have the option of using the readers "out of the box" or having them customized. They work at new and existing installations. Prices range from $165 to $610. Get the specifics at www.hidcorp.com.

High-Definition Switchers

Connecting multiple audio and visual sources to one display can be accomplished with new high-definition switchers from Gefen. The 8x1 DVI is rack mountable, can be operated with a remote control or RS-232 port, and has eight DVI inputs and one DVI output. The 4x1 HDTV model (shown) also comes with a remote control and RS-232 port; it offers four DVI inputs and one DVI output. The units can support computer systems, DVD players, or satellite boxes. MSRP are $899 and $349, respectively. Find details at www.gefen.com.

Projector Mount

Peerless Industries offers a safe, secure, and functional method to maximize the use of a projector with the PRS-UNV mount (shown). It supports up to 25 pounds, comes preassembled, and ensures proper alignment on a screen by enabling 15 degrees forward and 5 degrees backward tilt, 10 degrees left or right roll, and a full 360 degrees swivel. Another new mount is the PLAV70-UNL, a universal dual-arm, articulating wall mount that supports almost any 42- to 71-inch flat panel screen. It can articulate a large flat panel out over two-and-a-half feet combined with 15 degrees of tilt and 10 degrees of roll adjustment. They cost $209 and $749, respectively. Visit www.peerlessindustries.com.

More Secure Projectors

Continuing its CP-X line of projectors, Hitachi has introduced the CP-X251 ($2,295) and CP-X1 ($999). Both units provide 2000 ANSI lumens and have a transition detector, which locks the projector if it is moved, rendering it inoperable until the proper PIN is entered. The CP-X251 also allows users to customize the names of individual input sources, features two RGB inputs, MyScreen/MyMemory preset options, a remote control with "MyButtons" function, and customizable resolution, giving presenters the ability to automatically resize special resolutions or undetectable wide-size resolution images and set to the best position on the screen. The CP-X1 is 3.9 pounds, features a wide-angle lens that allows presenters to place the projector close to the screen to avoid obstruction of the image, and contains a USB reader, which simplifies the connection process by eliminating the need to connect a laptop to the projector. See them both at www.hitachi.us.

Crisp Video Conferences

Audio and video on a conference call can be clear, even if the ideas aren't, when using Polycom's HDX 9000 series of standards-based, rack-mounted videoconferencing systems. The series features a high-definition camera, surround-sound speakers, and a separate stream for computer content. The system can integrate with Polycom conference bridges, or other standards-based solutions. Prices range from $13,999 to $19,999. Visit www.polycom.com.

Blog, Blog, Blog

Sponsored blogs can be easily monitored using OU Blogs from OmniUpdate. Utilizing WordPress, the open-source blog publishing system, users can specify approvers for selected blogs. Approvers receive an e-mail when an entry is ready, and can either approve, decline, or edit it. Bloggers are notified of approval status. Institutions must have OmniUpdate in place to use OU Blogs. There is a base charge of $5,000 for the blogging module, plus additional licensing fees, if needed. The company will also offer installation and support services for WordPress for an additional fee. Get the details at www.omniupdate .com/ou/blogs.

Plethora of Printers

Lexmark has released the X9350 ($279), a wireless all-in-one color printer that features automatic two-sided printing. It can also copy and scan. Models in the C530 series, ranging from $499 to $1,299, have an Eco-Mode function, which minimizes power consumption and paper waste. Users can choose a high-yield color toner cartridge to lower print costs. Various models feature two-sided printing and an integrated USB port for printing directly from flash drives. The E series, $199 to $599, features Quiet-Mode, Instant Warm-Up to deliver a first print in 6.5 seconds; two-sided printing; high-yield cartridges; and security features. See them all at www.lexmark.com.

Small Is Good

Seneca Data has released the Nexlink Mini X desktop computer. The customizable unit crams an Intel Core Duo T2400 processors, 512MB, a 60GB hard drive, Windows XP, and a DVDRW into a 6.5x6.5x1.97-inch frame. It also comes with a keyboard and mouse, speakers, and a two-year warranty. The computer is priced at $1,050. Learn more at www.nexlink.com.

Dude, Desktops Save Energy

Dell has redesigned its OptiPlex line of desktop computers to enhance performance, manageability, deployment capabilities, security, and energy efficiency. The OptiPlex 320 ($585) offers basic manageability features and Intel Pentium D processors. The OptiPlex 740 ($725) has AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors. The Optiplex 745 ($899) has Intel Core 2 Duo processors. The machines are factory-set for improved power savings and can support Dell Client Manager, which allows administrators to remotely deploy, manage, and troubleshoot multiple units from a single console. Learn more at www.dell.com.